Knitting machine



N. J. PERRY KNITTING MACHNE l`eb. 19, 1929.

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N. J. PERRY KNITTING MACHINE Oriinal Filed Dec. 29, 1919 1l Sheets-Sheet 7 Feb. 19, 1929.

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i Patented I F eb. 19, 1929. I

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

NAPOLEON J. PERRY, OF NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, ASSIGNOR TO MAY HOSIERY MILLS, F NASHYIL'LE, TENNESSEE, A CORPORATION OF TENNESSEE.

KNITTING MACHINE.

Application fiie'december 29, 1919, Serial No. 348,071.

rlhis invention relates to knitting. machines, and has for an object to provide a Inachine embodying new and improved features of convenience, reliability, adaptability, whereby a plain cylindrical knitting machine "is converted into a machine for selectively knitting -plain or ribbed as the conditions of knitting may make necessary or desirable.

`Referring to the accompanying drawing, which is made a part hereof, and on which similar reference characters, indicate similar parts, I

Figure 1 is a view of the improved knitting machine in front elevation, part of the supporting structure being broken away for the purpose of showing the operative structure enlarged,

Figure 2 is `a vertical sectionalviewgtaken on line 2-2 of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a vertical sect on line 3-3 o'f Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the dial and ional View taken operating means, other parts being broken away forming a sectional view taken on line 5 ot Figure 1,

' Figure 5a is a view taken on the same plane as Figure 5, showing a movement of the parts forunlocking and moving the cams,

Figure 6 is a detailv elevation of the cam operating racks as indicated by arrow 6 at Figure Figure 7 is a vertical sectional View taken diametrically through the cylinder and .dial on line 7 7 of Fig. 5,

Figure 8 is a section on line 8--8 of Fig. l,

Figure 9 is a detail and somewhat diagrammatic view of the mechanism for actuating the'dial cams,

Figure 10 is a detail view in elevation of one ofthe blocks carried on the knitting head .carrying two of the pickers,

Figure 11 is an inverted plan View of the structure shown at and indicated by arrow 11 of Figure 10, y

Figure 12 is a View in side elevation of the switch cam and operating mechanism,

Figure v,13 is a view in end elevation of the switch cam and operating mechanism,

Figure 14 is a view in elevation of another picker and of lock carrying the same,

Figure 15 is a view f the picker shown in Figure 14, vshowing the manner "of moving the picker relative to its block,

Figure 16 is a detail sectional View of one of the pickers, y

Figure 17 is an inverted plan view of .the cam head showing the cams in casting oit position,

Figure 18 is an inverted view of the ca m head, showing the cams in knitting position, Figure 19 is an inverted plan view of the dial cap which actuates and`positions the dial cams shown at Figures 17 and 18,

.Figure 20 is a View in elevation of the cam bloclc`I and the associated cams removed from the cam head,

Figure 21 is a fragmentary View in edge elevation of one of the cam blocks showing the means for extracting` a dial needle, the vPiIew being indicated by arrow 21at Figure 1 'g Figure 22 is a fragmentary top plan view ofthe dial head-showing the eccentric cam adjustment,

Figure 23 is a detail fragmentary sectionalview showing a art of the sinkeri'ing and the mechanism or throwing the belt when the yarn accumulates at the needles from imperfect knitting,

Figure 24 is a perspective view somewhat diagrammatic of the belt shifting mechanism actuated by the tripping mechanism as indicated at Figure 23,

Figure 25 is a view in elevation of the belt-shifting mechanism actuated by the structure shown at Figures 23 and 24,

Figure 26 is a view showing the tube knit by the machine. bent at the parts knitted for the heel and toe, it being understood that as delivered from the machine the tube is a continuous straight tube with the heel and toe formed as pockets, and

Figure 27 vis a detail of parts shown in- Figure 7, on an enlarged scale.

The improved knitting machine, which forms the subject matter of this application, is in a large measure, a type already well known. It comprises a base 30 supported in any approved manner as by the legs 3l. Upon the base 30, a frame 32 is erected in which is journaled a drive pulley upon a sleeve rigidly connected with the gear 34 and clutch member 35. Within the sleeve, shaft 36 is mounted carrying a beveled `gear 37. Slidable upon the shaft 36 is a clutch member 38 adapted to engage either the clutch member 35, rigid `with the pinion 34, or the clutch member 39 mounted to rotate freely upon the shaft 36. The clutch 38 is splined upon the shaft 36 so that when it is in engagement with the clutch 35, theshaft 36 and the gear 37 are driven from the movement of the clutch 35, and if the clutch member 38' is in engagement with the clutch member 39, then the shaft 36 and gear 37 are driven by the motion of the clutch 39 and gear 40 connected rigidly therewit-h. The gear 34 is in mesh with the gear 41 which carries a wrist pin 42 connected, by means of the pitlnan 43, with the hub 44 of the segment 45V The segment 454s in mesh with the gear 40. If then the clutch member 38 is in engagement-with theclutch member 35 on gear 34, the shaft 36 and gear 37 are driven continuously from the pulley 33. The rotation of the gear 34 rotates the gear 41 and os'- cillates the segment 45 which, by reason of its engagement with thegear 40, also rotates the' gear 40 in reverse directions alternately'.

on the shaft 36. If the clutch member 38 is in engagement with the clutch member 39, the motion from the gear 34 through the gear 41 y and segment 45 to the gear 40 is transmitted knitting.

to the gear 37, so that the gear 37 is rotated alternately in opposite directions, driving therewith the knitting head. In the first assumed position that of the gear 37 being con tinuously'driven in one direction the knitting head is continuously driven for cylindrical In the second assumed position, that ofthe gear 37 being drivenalternately in opposite directions, the knitting head is likewise so driven for reciprocal knitting.

For shifting the clutch member 38, a lever 46 is employed in engagement with a cam disk 47. The cam disk 47 is driven through the in-v strumentality of the ratchet wheel 48, 'engaged intermittently by the pawl 49. The4 awl 49 is reciprocated by beingpivoted to a ever 50 which is engaged by the cam block 51, carried by the hub 44 and engaging against roller 52. At each oscillation of the segment 45 the lever 50 is moved, moving the pawl 49. The pawl 49, however, is normally held out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 48 by means of a linger 53 and the pin 54 of the pawl 49. The finger 53 is connected with a spring pressed block 55 which, when lifted, will release the pawl 49 to operate ratchet wheel 48. The block 55 is lifted intermittently by lugs 56 carried on the pattern chain 57.

The structure above referred to forms no part of the present invention, it being a well known structure shown in the patent to Mayo 726,17 8, April 21, ,1903. 'Mounted concentricallywith the ratchet 48, however, is a ratchet wheel 58 provided alongone side adjacent the periphery with a plurality of pins 59, and other pins 60 spaced nearer the periphery `than the pins 59. The ratchet wheel 58 carrying the pins 59 and 60 is actuated by means of a pawl 61, driven from a'wrist pin 62 offset from the center ofthe gear 63, which receives power from and is rotated by the gear 41.

As the ratchet wheel 58 is rotated, the several pins 59 and 60 engage the cam lug 64 on the lever 65. Upon the lever rests a rod 66 passing upwardly through the deck 67 and heldl yieldingly downward by t-he springv68-.

Upon the rod 66 an arm 69 is rigidly secured and positioned in sliding engagement with the deck 6 7 by means of a sliding pin 70. The arm 69'carries superposed racks 71 and 72, the function of which will be hereinafter more fully explained. The arrangement of parts Yof the well-known structure is such that as' the device is driven, the actuation of the pattern chain 57 and the several ratch-'ets operated in timed relation therewith, throws the clutch 38 to alternate the knitting from circular knitting to reciprocal knitting,.a.nd to actuate the rod 66, lifting the racks 71 and 72 by which control of the dial needles is effected for ribbed knitting.

The structure for circular knitting is substantially the same as devices already known and consists of a. knitting head having a ring 73 driven from the gear 37 (see Figure 7) and mounted to rotate in the deck 67. The rotating ring 73 carries the uprights 74 and 75, theirame of ,which is provided withV the picker 76. The picker 76 is pivoted in a ball 77, and is engaged by spring pressed guides 78 and 79. As the picker is swung in :marc as indicated at Figure 15, it engages under one of the guides 78 or 79, and is depressed,

defressing thereby one of the cylinder needles ngaging 'the butt 80. rIhe upright 74 also carries a spring pressed lever 81 positioned 4to engage a cam 82 (Fig. 5) as the head rotates so that lever 81, engaging against the lug 83 on the ball 77, returns the picker 76 when the cam 82 is in position to be engaged' which is mounted to rotate relatively to the deck 67, and is held from Idisplacement by keepers 91. To move the cam ring 9 0 a shaft i 92 is prOVided',--haVing an arm 93 connected by means of a link 94 with the cam ring 90. The shaft 92 is controlled by means of a. segment 95 (see Figure 4) rigidly secured to said shaft and cont-rolled by a lever 96, piv-l otedupon ythe shaft 97 and in engagement with the groove 98 of the cam drum 99. lVhile the utility of the cam drum 99 is well known in the a-rt,.it may be pointed out thatr the said .drum is provided with a plurality of cam ribs 1 00which engage under cam` slidesy 101 carried bythe llever 102, which in turn engages screw 103 carried by the bracket 104, by which the sha-ft 97 is intermittently raised and lowered acting upon the shell 105 to lengthen and shorten the cylinder stitches in the usualwell-known manner. The rotation of the cam 99, also by reason of the e r1,

when the slide. 84 is at the extreme outward= I limit of its movement, is not engaged at all.

f 1, 12 and 13) actuates the switch cani 111.

This is accomplished through the medium ot' a lever 112 pivote-d at 113, and having a'pin 114. The pin 14 is-positioned to engage the cam or 116 as tbe cani member 109 may be oscillated upon its center of rotation, bringing either the incline 115 or 116 into the path of movement of the pin 114, which is rotating with the k'nitting head in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 12. The lever 112 is provided with a segment 117, engaging a segment 118 on the switch cam 111, the same being'pivoted at 119. The pivoting is such that the rotation of the switch l cam 111 upon its pivot, throws it nearer to or Jfarther from the cylinder, such cam movement being well-known but indicated at 120. The function of the switch cam is too well known in the knitting art to require explanation.

Upon vopposite sides of the upright 7 5 pickers 121 and 122 are located, being mounted upon pintles 123 and 124 respectively, which, passing Idownwardly through the block 125, terminate in cam extremities 126 and 127, engaging sliding blocks 128 and 129 controlled by spring 130 (see Figures 10 and 11). The uprights 74 and 75 also carry detents 131 and 132 engaging crown ring 133, holding the said ring removably in position.

lThe cylinder needles 134, positioned by the crown ring 133, are actuated for knitting by conventional cams.

The1uprights 74 and 75 also carry the latch ring 136 and the thread guide 137.

Above the deck 67 a structure is erected, comprising anupright 138, having an annulus 139 rigidly secured lthereto and concentrically overhanging the knitting'head. The annulus supports a shaft 140 which in automatically resume turn supports the dial 141. The annulus 140 'is provided with a plurality of sliding keep! ers 142, which permit the rotation ot the thread guide 143 and dial cam head while retaining the shaft 140 against rotation, and also against. inclination, whereby the dial 141 is held rigidly concentric with the cylinder. The dial 141 is provided with dial needles 144, which are positioned to alternate with the cylinderneedles 134, or such other numerical relation as the article to be knitted may require. When the cyl# inder needles and the dial needles are actuated to knit co-actingly at the same time, the resul-t will be ribbed knitting as is well known in the art. Asl in the knitting of a stocking or a similar article, it is desirable to knit the leg portion ribbed and the foot, heel and toe portion plain, the present invention embodies more particularly means for actuating the dial needles to knit in conjunction and timed relation with the cylinder needles during such portion of the knitting process as it is desirable to knit the article ribbed, and to automatically discontinue the knitting by the dial needleswhen that portion ofthe knittiner has been passed, and Iknitting when it is desired to again knit the article ribbed,

For the purpose of controlling the4 move- -7 ment of the dial needles. therefore., the dial head 145 is provided with movable cams (see Figures 17 to 20).: The cams comprise two needle projecting caln members,'a horseshoe-shaped cam 146, and a crescent cam 147. The horseshoe-shaped cam 146 is rigidly secured to the block 148 pivoted at 149, and

.the crescent cam pivoted at 150 to the block 151 which is pivoted at 152. The block 148 is provided `with a pin 153 inserted through a slot 154 in the dial head .145, while the block 151 is provided with a pin 155 inserted through the slot 156 in the dial head. Above the dial head a'dial cap 157 is located, provided with grooves 158 and 159 positioned to engage respectively the cam rollers 153 and on the pins 153 and 155. As the dial cap 157 is rotated, the engagement ot the pins 153 and 155 by the grooves 158 and 159 will swing the blocks 148 and 151 upon their pivots-to move the cams 146 and 147 nearer to or fart-her from the cent-er. The manner of rotating the cam disk 157 for the purpose, will be hereinafter more fully described.

In addition to the cams 146 and 147, the cams 160 and 161 are rigidly secured respectively to the blocks 148 and 151 so that irrespective of the movement oi the blocks as indicated, a cam groove is provided between the inner cams 146 and 147 and the outer cams r160 and 161 to receive the Shanks of the dial needles 144.

It is obvious that as the cams are expanded loo or contracted the dial needles will be moved'l' a greater or\ less distance, and that as the cams 146 and 147 are movable independently as actuated by the cam disk 157, theymay be actuated approximately upon opposlte sides of the dial independently. The cam 147 controls the throw of the needles to cause them to knit, tuck or remain in idle position, the

needles being then either baref .or having stitches thereon temporarily withheld from action. The cam 146 controls the throw of the dial needles at a point not in contact with vthe thread andv when projected causes the l with points 160 and 161, which overhang and extend beyond the lines of the blocks 148 and 151, as shown more particularly in detail at Figure 20 and-form retracting cams for the needles. The cam 160 is provided with a reduced portion 160 to accommodate passage of the point 161 as shown more particularly at Figure 17 while the rib cam 161 is provided with a reduced portion 161 to accommodate the overhanging end 160 as shown moreA particularly at Figure 18.

In Figure 17 the stripping or casting-off cam set is shown extended, the position of .pins 153` and 155 being shown in full lines at Figure 19, while atFigure 18 the knitting cam is shown extended and the casting-ofi' cam withdrawn, the position of pins 153 and 155 being shown in' dotted lines at 153a and Y 155a in Figure 19.

To permit of'extracting needles from the dial without removing the cam head, a needle extractor is provided shown in detail at Figure 21. This comprises a channel 1161 cut through the rib 161, so that when wholly open a needle may be withdrawn, the shank of which is contained within the cam slot of the cam head. To close this opening 1161 in normal use to prevent the accidental displacement of needles therefrom, an undercut is provided below the edge of the cam 161-in which slides a block 1161 actuated by a spring 1161. The block 1161 is guided by a slot 1151 cut in the block 151 with a lug 1151 sliding in said slot.` It is obvious that the block 1161 may be moved against the tension of the spring 1161 torcompletel open the passage 1161 whereby-a break in the rib cam 161 .is provided, permitting the extraction of a needle therefrom.

Also it is desirable to adjust the knitting cam under certain conditions for which purpose the pivot 152 of the block 151 is integral with4 or carried by an eccentric 1000 set into the top plane of the cam head 145, asindicated more particularly at Figure 22 and in dotted lines of Figures 17 and 18. The

eccentric 1000 is clamped and held in adljusted position by a set screw 1001 and spaced as guides for the points of the crescent cam 147. The thicknesses of the several cams are such that the outer, or in use the lower faces of the several camsl146, 147, 160and 161 are in the same plane. From this it 'follows that the points of the crescent cam 147 are thinner,.permitting them to ride in tl1e-rabbets 146 without departing :from the fact that the surfaces of the cams 146 and 147 remain in thesa'me plane. s

' It is to be understood that the dial cap 157, together with the cam head 145 and the cams as shown at Figures 17 and 18 held inv position by the cam slots 159 and 160, rotate as an organizedv structure by being connectedl directlywith the driven ring 73. This connection is by means of struts 1652l and 163, having openings 164 in their upper ends (see Figure 5) to receive screws 166 (see Figure 1),4 -clamping yoke 167 thereon. The yoke 167 is rigidly secured to the sleeve 168, which embraces the stationary shaft 140 and is rigidly connected or integral with the dial plate 145, and to which the cam structure and the dial cap 157 are secured.

It is obvious that as remains stationary relative to thecam head 145, the several cam-s shown at Figures 17, 18 and 20 will remain stationary. When, however, the dial cap 157 is rotated relative to the dial head 145, the position of the movable cams will be varied by reason of the cam slots 159 and 160, and the pins 153 and 155 engaging the same.

To provide for the rotatlon of the dial cap 157 relative to the cam head 145 for the purpose of moving the cams, a ratchet 169 `is secured to the dial cap 157 in any approved manner as by the use of the screws 170 in the slot 171 (see Figures 5 and 5a).

It is obvious that the rotation of the ratchet wheel 169, secured as it is to the dial cap 157,

will rotate such dial cap. relative to the cam head and thereby change the cani relation of the slots 159 and 160 tothe cam head 145 and pins 153 and 155. This relative rotation is provided by means cfa pawl 172 which engagesthe'ratchet wheel 169, and the parts are normally locked against movement vby a detent 173. During the normal-rotation of the long asdial cap 157 5 and 5a, which first unlatches the detent 173 and by further movement of the pawl 172 against the ratchet turns the ratchet and therewith the dial cap. A Spring 177 spans the interval between the pawl 172 and the detent 173 for holding such members yieldingly v in engagement with their co-aeting elements and against movement engendered by the wrist pin 175. The pawl 172 is free to travel with the wrist pin 175 and with the detent unlocked as shown at Figure 5a, the rota tion of a disk 174 in the direction indicated by the arrow (Figure 19) will rotate the ratchet wheel 169 step by step in the direction indicated by its arrow, it being understood that Isuch rotation is relative to the cam head 145. Although such rotation is also in direc- 4 tion of normal rotation of the knitting head,

such normal knitting rotation is not referred to at the present time. The datent 173 is pivotedv at 178 to an arm 179 carried rigidly by the strut 163.

' It follows, therefore, that the `pins 60, when engaging the lug 64, will lift the rod 66 to a greater altitude than the pins 59. 'When lifted by a pin 60, the rack 71 is brought into the proper plane for engagement wit-h the pinion 181. When lifted by the pins 59 the rack 72 is brought into the plane for engaging the pinion 181. As the two racks 71 and 72 occupy different arcs about the knitting head, it is obvious that the advance of the dial cap will take place at different intervals during the rota-tion of the knittinghead, dependent upon whether the pinion 181 is actuated by the rack 71 or the rack 72.

The cam slot 159 provides for the positioning of the cams 147 and 1'61 farther from or ,nearer to the center of the dial cap, so that the dial needles may. knit or tuck as the 'exigencies of knitting may make desirable,

or willr be -wholly withdrawn from'knitting position andthe stitches east oil' or not aecording to the position of the cams controlled by the slot 158. 'When the dial cap 157 has been `rotated to such position that the curve 182 of the slot 158 engages the pin 153, the dial needles are thrown out approximately to the estreme of their movement by their i 'calm 146 and so will clear their latches but not being in position toengage .the thread they will cast off the work when retracted. A

similar operation serves to open the latches of thedial needles when they are first brought into action, thus preparing them to take yarn at the yarnfeed, when again projected by cam 147.

'In the knitting of tubular. fabrics wherein pockets are knitted for heel and toe, it has been found difficult or impossible to provide the necessary tension upon the goods to produce good stitches owing to the fact that the pockets provide a looseness not overcome by the resiliency ofthe thread.

To provide for proper A feeding of the fabric during such reciprocal knitting a plurality of springs 183 are secured to the underside ofthe dial asA indicated more particularly at Figures 7 and 8. The sinkers 184 are pro.- vided with points or. extremities 185 which engage the fabric 186 between such points and the springs 183, so that as the sinkers are actuated by the sinker ring 187, the points 185 push the fabric away from the needles thereby insuring the proper tension for knitting. p .A safetyv appliance to prevent breakage when yarn accumulatesat the needles from imperfect knittingor any cause, is provided in the lever 188 pivoted to the sinker ring 187 at 189, and provided with a pin 190. `The lever 188 is providedwith a cam surface 191 properly positioned to engage the outer ends 192 of the sinkers. cumulation of thread from imperfect knit. ting, the sinkers are forced out as indicated at 193 (see Figure 23) until the ends 192 extend beyond the normal circumference whereupon they engage upon the cam surface 191 of vthe lever 188, forcing itV from normal or dotted position in Figure 23 until it is in position to engage the extremity of the lever 194 pivoted upon an upright 195. The lever 194 engages a shoulder 196 in a rod 197 (see Figure 24) vertically slidable through the deck 67 and through keepers 198, attached to the frame 32.y A spring 199 is provided, surrounding the rod 197 and held under Vtension lwith the rod 197 upwardly when the lever 194 isy in engagement with the shoulder' 196, but adapt-ed to throw the rod 197 down wardly with considerable force when the lever '194 is disengaged from the shoulder 196. The rod 197 bears at its lower end upon a member 200 pivoted at 201 to a plate 202 mounted to slide in guides 203 attached to or forming part of the frame 32. The member 200 is provided withv a shoulder 204 adapted to hook over one of the guides 203 and is held in such engagement yieldingly by the spring 205. The spring 205, as will be noted, is secured at'one end to detent 203 on the frame 32 and at the opposite end to the member 200,

.-whieh, 'being pivoted to the plate 202, is

lVhen there is an acadapted to slide the said plate-202'when, the

'shoulder 204 is released from engagement with the detent 203. The plate 202 carries a belt guide 206 (see Figures 1 and 25') through' which `the belt 207 passes about the pulley33 f which, when moved, shifts the belt from the tight to the loose ulley in the usual Wellknown manner. cans is also provided for actuating the device manually by means of a lever' 208 (see' Figure 1) connected with a shaft 209 (see Figure'23) which in turn car-' ries a bifurcate finger 210, engaging a pin 211 on the locking member 200 so that the depression of the lever 208 releases the shoulder 204 and permits the spring 205 to throw A the belt guide 206 as above described.

In the operation of knitting a fabric to be converted into stockings by being severed and finished in the usual manner, a tubular fabric is constructed which is imperfectly illustrated at Figure 26. In view of the fact that the heel and toe are knitted into the otherwise cylindrical fabric as pockets, an

attempt has been made to illustrate this by bending the tubular fabric at the line of widening or narrowing for these pockets, it being understood of course that as the fabric is delivered from the machine it has the appearance of a tube with spaced pockets or bulges'thereon. The present machine knits the fabric from that portion intended for the toe through the foot and heel intoand through that portion intended for the leg. As illustrated at Figure 2G the leg portion'212 is knitted, and by reason of the several pins 59 andl 60 in the pattern wheel 58, the cams 146 and 147 are actuated to produce the several weltsA indicated at 213 by moving the dial' cams to cause the dial needles to tuck for one or more courses and then returning them to knitting position. At 214 the dial needles 144 are actuated by the cam 146 through the medium of the pin 153', 'reaching the portion 182 of the slot 158 whereby the stitches upon the dialneedles are cast oil. Later this fabric is severed at 214 and that portion then forming the top of the leg of stocking finished in any usual 'and well known manner. This severing, however, occurs after the fabric is removed from the machine, the machine continuing to knit the tubular portion 215 until the line 216 is reached, thev portion between the line 214 and 216 being employed in looping and welting.4 1. At line 216 the pocket for thetoe is begun and by reciprocal knitting the ipocket extending from the line; 216 to line ,217 is produced.,

The portion of the pocket thus produced is turned and' secured to the foot portion 218 in the usual Well-known manner. The foot portion 218 is plain circular knitting until the line for the pocket for the hee] is reached at 219. Reciprocal, knitting is again employed from the line 219 to 220, forming the pocket for the heel. Plain cylindrical knitting at-21 is then continuedfor such disvtance may be. found desirable to again take' up ribknitting for the leg, indicated at 222".1 This ribbing 222 is continued throughout such length as may be provided by the pattern chain 57, being finished as at 213 for the top of the leg. This cycle of operation iscontinuedA indefinitely and the tubular fabric thus produced is severed as indicated at the lines 214 and 216 into the required lengths for producing the hosiery.

In the drawings an attempt has been made to illustrate'a completely operative structure but in most cases, those elements of the machine which'are well known in the knitting art and which do' not directly have any function in carrying forward the present invention, are not described or supplied .with reference characters. It is believed, however, that the structure disclosed either in its identical form or a form so nearly resembling the identical form, is so well known that the operation and functions are obviouswithout such descriptive matter.

Having thus fully described my said invention, what I claim as new and desire to Secure by Letters Patent, is:

. 1.v In a knitting machine the combination with cylinder needles and means for actuating the same, of a dial and dial needles positioned to coordinate with the cylinder needles, a cam inion means' connected with the inion to release the lock and advance the -dial cap with a step-by-step movement, a rack, a pattern Wheel,- and means actuated from the pattern wheel for interposing the rack in the path of movement of the pinion to actuate the pinion at predetermined intervals.

2. Ina knitting machine -the combination with cylinder needles and means for actu ating the same, of a dial and dial needles positioned to coordinate with the cylinderneedles, acam structure rotatable relative to the dial, a cam carried by the cam structure adapted to actuate the 'dial needles and-v capable of adjustment to vary the movement of the dial needles, a dial cap, means carried by the dial cap for adjusting the cam, means rotating with the cam structure normallylocking the dial cap against rotation relative to the cam structure, a pinlon, means connecting the pinion with the lock and ro- `tating with thecam structure, segmental .with cylinder needles and means for actuating the same, of a dial and dial needles positioned to coordiate with the cylinder needles, av rotating cam' structure adapted to move the dial needles, a cam carried by the cam structure and capable of adju'stment to vary the movement of the dial needles, a dial cap carried by the cam structure and rotatable relative thereto to adjust the cam. a cap-lock- Y ing and moving structure rotating with the cam structure and embodying a detent for locking and a pawl for moving the cap with a step-by-step movement, a pinion connectedr to and adapted to actuate the detent and pawl, segmental racks rigidly connected and occupying different horizontal planes and different arcs about the rotating structure, a pattern wheel, and means actuated from the pattern wheel for raising the segmental racks to bring either lof said racks into the plane and ath of movement of the pinion.

4. A. knitting machine, a dial and dial needles, a cam plate rotatable relative to the dial and carrying needle-actuating cams, a dial 4cap rotatable relatively tothe cam plate and carrying means for adjusting the cams, a shaft, a bea-ring therefor rotating withhthe cam plate, means to lock the dial cap against movement relative to the cam plate, means carried by the shaft to release th\`l`o`ck 'and move the dial cap with a step-by-step movement, apinion carried by .the shaft` a plurality of segmental racks occupying different horizontal planes and different arcs about the path of movement of the pinion, a pattern mechanism, and means actuated from the pattern mechanism to move the segmental racks selectively into the plane of rotation of the pinion.

5. In a knit-tin machine a dial and dial needles, a cam p ate rotatable relative and adapted to drive the dial needles, movable cams carried by the cam plate and ada )ted when adjusted to vary the movement o the dial needles, a d ial cap carried by the cam plate and embodying means for adjusting the position of the cams. a shaft in parallelism with the axis of rotation of the cam plate and rotating about such axis as its center of rotation, a detent positioned to lock the dial cap against movement, means carried by the shaft for releasing the lock, a pawl actuated by the rotation of the shaft to move the -dial 'cap relative to the cam plate,a pinion carried by the shaft, a plurality of segmental racks occupying different horizontal planes and arcs relative to the rotation of the shaft, a pat-tern mechanism, and means actuated from the pattern mechanism to selectively` move one of said segmental racksinto the plane of rotation of the pinion.

6. Ina knitting machine the combination Aof two sets of-needles and means for actuating them, and pattern mechanism for controlling the. actuating means to produce ribbed, plain circular or reciprocating knitting, said actuating means including a dial cam structure embodying a plurality of adjustable needle-projecting cams for the dial needles a dial cap, independent pin and slot connections between the cams and the cap, and connections to said pattern mechanism to actuate the cap for moving said cams, substantially as set forth. 1

7 In a knitting machine, two sets of needles, means for actuating them comprising a dial cam plate, a movable needle projecting cam thereon, and means'to move said cam to vary the action of the needles, comprising a cam 'cap movable step-by-step in a. forward direction relatively to the dial cam plate, substantially as set forth.

8. In a knitting machine, two sets of needles and means for actuating them comprising a dial cam plate, a movable needle pro'- jecting cam thereon, and means to move said cam to idle, tuck andknitting positions, comprising a member mounted to move about the dial post and operatively connected to 4said cam, and means for positively moving said member step-by-step about said post, substantially as set forth. 'I

9. Inl a knitting machine, two sets of needles and means for actuating them comprising a dial cam plate, a movable needle project@ ing cam thereon, and means to move said cam' to idle. tuck and knitting positions, comprising a cam cap mounted to move about the dial post, and maintaining a positive control over said cam at all times, substantially as set forth. v

l0. In a knitting machine a cam head comprising a substantially plain disk,.,a horseshoe cam movable toward and .from the center of the disk, a crescent cam having its points embracing the extremities ofthe horseshoe cam and movable toward and from the center of the disk, rib cams surrounding the horseshoe cam and the crescent cam and movable therewith. producing an expansible and contractiblc elliptical cam groove, andmeans to move the horseshoe cam and the crescent cam independently.

11. In a knitting machine a cam head comprising a substantially plain disk, blocks movable upon the disk toward andfrom each other, a crescent cam carried by one of saidblocks, a horseshoe cam carried by the other of said blocks having its extremities disposed between the points of the crescent cam, and rib cams surrounding and spaced from the horseshoe cam and the crescent cam and movable therewith.

12. vIn aknitting machine a cam head com- I' risinO- a disk, blocks movable u on the face of the disk toward and from the center, a crescent cam carried by one of said blocks, a horseshoe cam carried by the other of said blocks and having its extremities disposed between the horns of the crescent cam, overlapping rib cams carried by the blocks spaced from the horseshoe cam and the crescent cam, and means to move the blocks and their associated cams independently.'

13. In a knitting machine a cam head comprising a disk, blocks movable upon they face of the -disk toward and-from the.,v center, a

i crescent cani carried'by one of said blocks, a

horseshoe cam carried the" other of said.

i bodying a disk, blocks movable upon the face .arcuate cams, one of said rib camshaving a 4Q.

of the disk toward and from the axis, arcuate cams carried by each of 'said blocks, the extremities of thel arc of one cam embracing 'the extremities of the arc of the other cam,

limiting cams spaced from and surrounding the arcuate cams and carried by the blocks,

A and means to move the blocks and their associated cams independently relative to the disk.

15. In a knitting machine a cam head embodying a disk, blocks movable upon the face of the disk toward and from the axis, an arcuate cam carried by each of said blocks, the

extremities 0f one arc being interposed between the extremities of the other arc, Ioverlapping rib cams spaced from and surrounding the arcuate cams and carried by the blocks and means to\ move the blocks ,and leaf springs on the dial intersecting the line their associated cams 'independently relative to the disk. f

16. In a knitting machine a cam head embodying a rotatable disk, arcuate cams movableupon the face of--the disk,ioverlapping rib cams spaced from andsurrounding the channel cut therethrough and a movable closure for the channel.

17. In a knitting machine a cam head embodying a rotatable disk, blocks movable upon the face of the disk, overlapping arcuate cams carried bythe blocks, overlapping rib cams carried by the blocks spaced 'from and surrounding the arcuate-cams, one of said rib cams being provided with a slot cut therethrough and a closure for the slot.

18. In a' knitting machine a cam head embodying a rotatable disk, blocks movable upon the face of the disk, overlapping arcuate cams carried by the blocks, overlapping rib cams carried by the blocks, spaced from and surrounding the arcuate cams, one of said rib cams being provided with a channel cut therethrough, and a, circumferentially sliding closure for the channel.

19. In a knitting machine a cam head emf a shiftable came thereon, said head having an bodying a rotatable disk, blocks pivoted adjacent the periphery of the disk and movable upon such pivots toward .and from the axis, a crescent cam pivoted to one of said blocks, a horseshoe cam secured 4to the other of said blocks lhaving its vextreinities disposed'between the horns of the crescent cam, rib cams carried bytlie blocks spaced from the crescent camaid thehorseshoe cam, and having extremities extending beyond the lines of its block to overlap the rib cam of the other block, and means to move the cams independently relative tothe disk.

20. In a knitting `machine,' a dial cam plate having a cain groove for the needlebutts, 'a needle projecting cani at one side of the slot, a guard cam opposed thereto and having a slot opposite the high point` of the needle-projectingl cam, and acircumferentially slidable closure for the slot, substantially as set forth.

21. In a. knitting machine, a dial Cani plate,

an adjustable arcuate needle-projecting cam thereon, an arcuate guard cam movable therewith, said guard cam having a slot for entry and removal of needles substantially opposite the high point of the needle-projecting cam, an-d a closure therefor, substantially as set forth.

. 22. In a. lniitting-machine, two sets of needles, means for actuating them, pattern mechanism to control said actuating means to produce ribbed, plain circular or reciprocating knitting, means for taking up the forming fabric during reciprocating knitting comprising webholders engaging the margin of the forming fabric and also engaging a face. thereof at a distance from the margin', and

of movement of the web holders whereby the forming fabric is pinchedgbetween the web. holders and the springs and drawn away from theknitting point, substantia lly as set forth.

23. In a knitting machine, two sets of needles, means for actuating them, pattern mechanism to controlsaid actuating means to produce ribbed, plain circular or reciproeating knitting, means for taking up the forming fabric during reciprocating knitting comprising webholders engaging the margin of the forming fabric and also engaging the outer face thereof at a distance from said margin, and springs on a segment of the dial adapted to coacty with said webliolders in withdrawing the forming fabric away from the knitting point, substantially as set forth.

24. In a rib knitting machine, a dial` a cylinder, horizontal webliolders at 'the upper end of the cylinder having ends extending beneath the dial and a flat spring on the dial extending over a plurality of web holders and coact-ing with said ends to take up the forming fabric, substant-ially as set forth.

25. In a knitting machine,'a dial cam head,

having a. cam groove on its under face, one' or more rib cams forming the outer Wall of the groove said Wall having a slot therethrough, and a. circumferentially slidable closure for said slot, substantially as setforth.

29. In a dial and cylinder knitting machine, a dial cam head, blocks pivote-d at opposite sides ofthe cam head,inner and outer cams on each block overlapping to provide a closed cam groove on the head, and patterncontrolled mechanism to move said cam blocks into various positions, substantially as set forth.

30. Ina knitting machine the combination of tivo sets of needles, means for actuating them and pattern mechanism for controlling the actuating means to produce ribbed, plain circular orreciprocating knitting said actuating means including a dial cam structure comp'fising a disk, blocks pivoted on the disk, andinner and outer cams on-the blocks forming a closed needle race in all positions'of the blocks, substantially as set forth. y,

31. In a knitting machine, a set/:of dial needles, a set of cylinder needles, means for operating them and pattern mechanism to contlol the operation of the needles to prodibefribbed, plain circular or reciprocatory' knitting said operating means including a diall'fcam head. a needle-projecting knittingr cam and a needle-projecting casting-off cam on said head, a pin fixed in relation to each of said cams and a pattern controlled cam cap having separate grooves engaging said pins for positioning said cams variouslyjduring the knitting operation, substantially as set forth.

32. In aknitting machine, a set of dial opera-ting them and pattern mechanism to control the operation of the'needlcs to produce ribbed, plain circular or reciprocatory knitting said operating means including a dial cam head, a. needle-projecting knitting cam and a needle-'projecting casting-oftI cam on said head, a pattern-controlled member abovejthe head rotatable relatively thereto, means for advancing said member step by step and connections from said member to each of said cams for positioning them variously during the knitting operation, substantially as set forth.

33. In a knitting machine, two sets of needles,l` operating means therefor, pattern mechanism-controlling the operation of the machine to produce ribbed, plain circular or reciprocating Work., said operating means comprising a dial'and a dial cam head, movable blocks on said dial cam head, an independently movable needle cam on onelof said blocks, a cam fixed to the other block adjacent to said independently 'movable cam, rabbets on one of said cams, and horns on the other engaging over the rabbets said rabbets being adapted to engage the needle butts and prevent them from striking said horns, substantially as set forth. 7 i.

34. In a knitting machine, two sets .of needles, means for actuating them, pattern mechanism to control said actuating means to produce ribbed,plain circular or reciprocatingknitting, and means for taking up the forming fabric during reciprocating knitting comprising Webholders engaging the margin of the forming fabric and also engaging a face of the fabric at a distance from the margin, and springs at the opposite side of the fabric-coacting with the Webholders, substantially as set forth.

35. In a knitting machine, a'dial cam support, a pair of needle cams having stu-ds, a positioning cam having grooves engaging the lstudsand pattern controlled means to adjust the positioning cam and hold it in adjusted position, substantially as set forth. 36. In a knitting machine, a dial cam support, a'pair of needle cams, a compound positioning cam in engagement With both of the 4needle cams, a ratchet on the positioning cams, an operating pawl, a shaft carrying the 4paWl, and pattern controlled means for operating the shaft, substantially as set forth.

' 37. In a knitting machine, a dial cam plate, an adjustable cam thereon, a rotary positioning cam resting on the plate and connected to the cam, a ratchetcon the positioning cam, a driving pawl, a star-wheel for actuating the pawl and pattern-controlled mechanism to drive the star-Wheel, substantially as set forth.

38. In a knitting machine, a dial cam plate, an adjustable cam thereon,` a rotary positioning cam resting on the plate and connected to the cam, a ratchet on the positioning cam, drivingand locking pawls engaging the ratchet and pattern-controlled means to operate said pawls, substantially as set forth.

39. In a knitting machine, a dial cam plate,

a movable cam thereon, a positioning cam on the plate connected to the movable cam, a ratchet on the positioning cam, a vertical shaft having an eccentric Wrist-pin, a pawl Von the Wrist-pin for driving the ratchet, a second pawl on a 'fixed support adapted to -lock the ratchet against rotation, said' Wrist-I pin also disengaging said locking pawi from the ratchet, and pattern-controlled means to A drive said shaft, substantially as set forth. 

